What You Can Do To Prevent Falls

During National Safety Month in June, the goal is to help individuals prevent injuries and accidental deaths by calling attention to common safety and health risks. Injuries are a leading cause of disability for people of all ages and they are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 44. In our elderly, medication safety and fall prevention are at the top of the list, but both of these can be prevented.

Have your health care provider review your medications-even over-the counters. As we age, our bodies change the way medications affect us. Different combinations can make you dizzy, sleepy, and even cause falls. More than one third of adults 65+ fall each year in the US and these occur most in the home. Remove items that you can trip over-shoes, rugs, clothes, etc. and use non-slip mats in the bathtub or on shower floors, placing grab bars where needed.

Lighting is also key in fall prevention. Brighter lights as we age helps us see better, hang lightweight curtains or shades that will reduce glare. If you have stairs be sure these are clear of any clutter and are well lit as well. Wear shoes both inside and out of the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers if you aren’t steady on your feet.

If you have a loved-one you’re concerned about who lives alone, you may want to consider getting them an alarm device that will bring help immediately in case of a fall. Place a phone near the floor in case a fall occurs and that person cant get up. Also, keep emergency numbers near the phone so they can call you.

Click on the link below for more common safety tips that can help prevent accidents from happening.